There are many wonderful statements throughout the Bible about the influence of mothers. The following are all from the book of Proverbs, and they fall into two distinct categories. First of all, note the significance of the teaching of the younger generation which is attributed to mothers (1:8; 6:20). While instruction on the part of both parents is seen in these passages, moms have a special way of seeing details and usually a measure of patience which seems to be elusive to some dads. The second point made in these verses is the way parents are made to feel when children act foolishly (10:1; 15:20; 17:25).
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; (Prov. 1:8)
My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; (Prov. 6:20)
The proverbs of Solomon – a wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. (Prov. 10:1)
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. (Prov. 15:20)
A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. (Prov. 17:25)
Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Prov. 23:22)
Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you. (Prov. 23:25)
Though dealing with parental instruction and the child’s response to it, these verses emphasize both the task of instruction and the joy of learning found in the family setting. We’ve all read comments by famous individuals expressing the tremendous impact their mother made on their life. Hopefully, the following will add to the list of those quotes with which you are already familiar.
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” ~ GEORGE WASHINGTON
“The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way.” ~ ANDREW JACKSON
“There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness.” ~ ANDREW JACKSON
“My mother was the making of me. She was so true and so sure of me, I felt that I had someone to live for – someone I must not disappoint. The memory of my mother will always be a blessing to me.” ~ THOMAS A. EDISON
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~ WASHINGTON IRVING
Happy Mother’s Day!